Writers will think book festivals first. (There are also writer’s conferences.) Both are excellent places to network and learn about the industry and craft of writing.
Authors need to think beyond book festivals, though. If you want to sell books, where will you be in front of your target audience? Art fairs? Regional festivals? Trade shows? Celebrations? Expos? Business conventions? Farmer’s markets? (Really!) Check local listing and online for events you can attend.
Go prepared. Take business cards and a notebook. Attend as many of the sessions, talks, and panels as possible. Network at every opportunity. Talk to successful authors and industry experts. This is your chance to learn and make connections.
Where are you going next?
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Farmers markets! That's thinking outside the box!! I'll remember this post for the day I have a physical book to sell :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice and I love the photo.
ReplyDeleteRhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
AtoZ #42
We have a bunch of little festivals during the summer all over down here. Including Music on Main where they close down all of Main Street in Greenville every Thursday and Friday night, bringing out the local bands. I think this might be my hot spot this year.
ReplyDeleteFestivals are always good. Love the photo.
ReplyDeleteJO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
Never been to a festival like that but I hope to one day.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. It's amazing how far a business card to go--and they're such little money to produce, why wouldn't someone pick some up?
ReplyDeleteLOVE this tip, LD. But it's sadly one I haven't done much with. I'm going to start this year, however. I'm moving to an area of the country where they have tons of exhibitions, etc. this summer, and I'm scheduled to go to my first big book festival in December.
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to all of it, especially after reading this. :)
Hi, L. Diane,
ReplyDeleteGreat ADVICE.... WE need to meet and greet... Stay in FRONT of the public eye. So many writer HIDE in their cocoons and never come out. NOT GOOD.
LONG GONE are the days when a writer could just WRITE. Networking is a HUGE part of being a writer these days.
Thanks for all you supportive comments at my blog this week!
H is coming ...... I hope you like what I created!
I had never thought of that...until I read your book! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, the thought of going to festivals scares me to death. I am not a crowds person and so I'm not sure I could do this. But, I guess for the sake of publicity...
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm. I'll be thinking about this when I finally get something published!
ReplyDeleteOur indie book store has a local authors day which is cool. Authors get to meet other authors and the public. It's a fun day. Hoping to have something new finished by this May.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo! I've been thinking about going to a local Farmer's Market - and finding out more about semi-local book fair - thanks for the kick in the pants post!
ReplyDeleteWish we had festivals like that in SA.
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin this Blog Challenge! Its fuckin' rockin my face off.
Wish we had festivals like that in SA.
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin this Blog Challenge! Its fuckin' rockin my face off.
Great way to promote your work.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa, I know an author that only did farmer's markets and would sell 50 books a weekend that way.
ReplyDeleteRandi Lee, I get mine from Got Print - with shipping, just $26 for 1000 glossy, high quality business cards.
EJ, I wish we had more in the area I live.
DL, glad you know now!
Tyrean, do it.
Some great ideas for getting your book out there. Thanks for the tips :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to a single festival in my whole life.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I want to go to the ones in my country. :-/
I've still never been to a book festival.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photo!
Nice advice. I had been thinking along those lines, and had made a few calls before. But it seemed that I was either too late or the tables were too expensive. I hadn't given up on the idea, but am looking to hook up with a friend who is a local artist to go in on a table with her for some events.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to remember this post for when I'm actually a published author...someday! :) Great ideas. :)
ReplyDeleteJaimie
Living in the Light
A to Z Ambassador
Oh, good ideas! When I get brave enough....
ReplyDeleteI join a bunch of other authors every summer at a local farmers' market in a park. Don't usually sell many books but it's fun to network with the others.
ReplyDeleteI love those lights. Would look cool in the cave. :D
ReplyDeleteThere are many book festivals here in Mexico, but I guess I would have to write in Spanish to start with my closest market.
I like that you always think outside the box :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorites usually involve technology. And I love sci-fi, so that works! :)
ReplyDeleteFrom A to Z, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
yes! all these tips are so valuable! must make connections and calls an d learn and ah! success takes lots of work and guts!
ReplyDeleteHmm... if I were closer to one, I'd be at a Renn Faire. ;) Fantasy abounds!
ReplyDeleteOver in England they have books for sale at what is called "a car boot sale" although I've never actually seen anybody actually sell a car boot. Car boot is the equivalent to flea market.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas, Diane.
Gary
The hard work never ends!
ReplyDeleteHeather
Promoting at farmers markets is a great idea. County fairs would be a good place, too. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteI'm AtoZing at
Take 25 to Hollister
Don't be a Hippie
Really works if the genre and festival (activity) have have a common interest
ReplyDeletegreat points here
happy A to Z
Definitely good advice, and I've found that it applies to everything, in a way.
ReplyDeleteIt boils down to Quantity & Quality of Exposure.
Many people have a great idea or great creation but put so little effort on exposing it to the right people or the right amounts of people.
Food for thought on a great 'F' post :)
Thanks, Diane!
That is interesting but helpful advice. I would have never thought to try a farmer's market!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great ideas.
Lyre at Lyre's Musings
Hi Diane .. excellent advice here - there's always lots going on at festivals: large and small .. and we never know ... Great thoughts - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteNancy, always use caution when paying for a table - most aren't worth the cost now.
ReplyDeleteSusan, networking is just as important.
Gary, that's good to know.
Yes, I love these ideas! I love the no stone unturned feel!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photo :D
This is the first year I'm doing some festivals. Hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
ReplyDeleteI've been to the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, would this just be those who have a published work to be pushed, or for those who are seeking to do it? what about those who have e-books?
ReplyDeleteLoving your posts.